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Paid before and after patients?

I was wondering if anyone here gets paid before their first patient comes in the morning if they show up early to set up or look over charts. We used to but our dentist has cut back on this to save money. We are still encouraged to come in a half hr early to set up etc though!

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15 Answers

The first office I worked in would only allow me to clock in 15 minutes before the first patient, however I came earlier and prepared for the day on my own time. Not an ideal situation, as I gave that doctor way too many hours of my time over the two years I was there. I think it is very important to be prepared for the day because fumbling through doesn’t look great in front of a patient! Being prepared and organized also saves you time throughout the day. I am now at an office that the doctor and office manager do not limit when I clock in or out. Even if I don’t have an 8:00 am patient they appreciate me being there (on the clock) to help stock, organize, or do whatever the office needs. I think they allow this because, like Hygenius stated, I am NEVER on my phone or playing on the computer and truly helping out the office.

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I think it is fair to minimally allow 15 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes to close down your operatory. Dentists are business folk and are often moved by the almighty $. Many of my most enjoyable practices were more flexible about paying me and allowed me to perform other duties that were important to the practice. The empty chair and the lack of production is so frustrating because we have so many other areas where we can contribute even if we are not performing a billable duty.

I am allowed to clock in 15 minutes prior to the arrival of my first patient so I can review charts and set up my room.

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My doctor says I’m only allowed to clock in 15 min prior to my first patient.

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I work in a few offices. In one, I am paid a daily rate so not paid a minute before 8 am or after 5pm. I try and get everything done as close to these times as I can. In another, I am only allowed to clock in 5 minutes prior to my first patient, even though I am there 30 min beforehand setting up. She does let us stay clocked in up until 30 after our last patient so that helps. In my third office, he is very lenient and let’s us clock in 30 min prior and after our last patient. This means over-time, which adds up big time over two weeks!

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We are required to be in office and setting up 15 min prior to first patient, no sooner, no later. If I was not getting to review charts and set up in the a.m. I would go thru the night before and set up as much as I possibly could, the work has to be done sometime! If you aren’t salaried or commission, you must be paid for time worked according to Illinois labor laws. It maybe tempting to start without being on the clock but if you are injured you may not be covered. Our rule is no dough no go. We work when we are being paid and that is fair. We really have a very thriving practice so that is beneficial. Good luck.

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We have a meeting before patients start arriving and I get there even earlier than that to set up, and go over charts, etc. And I am usually staying late to catch up on notes! I have never had an office limit the time before or after patients that I can be clocked in. If I’m there early or late, it’s not because I’m just sitting around–obviously I’m preparing for the day, and everyone should be compensated for that! Pretty shocked how limiting some offices are!

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I have worked in both an office that only wanted us to clock in 15 min early to an office that doesn’t nitpick and allows within reason…I have seen some abuse the ability to clock in early and thats when Dr’s tend to assign a time…all offices have covered time staying late if day runs over (as I’d expect)…

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We get paid hourly with a time clock. We must come in early to have a morning huddle which we get paid for. Once a week the entire team meets even earlier and we have office meetings. Once a week as well each department in our office comes in earlier and have a meeting. All these meetings are paid and a lot of talking by the doctor that usually ends when the first patient arrives.

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Commission based, I get paid if a patient is in the chair, but I arrive 30 minutes early and stay after to help everyone get out. It makes for great teamwork for the whole office.

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I get paid up to 30 min before first patient m and clock out after all the cleanup is done , the whole team pitches in for end of day chores to get out quick

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If I am working I’m am on the clock. Boss likes everyone at work at least 15 minutes before first patient. I’ve had to go in 30-45 minutes early and stay late by 30 minutes to an hour around 2-3 times a week because we are going through front office changes. It’s hard to find competent people for front office. My boss is great. I don’t ride the clock. I don’t FB or play on my cell phone while on the clock. I think if you are truly working early or late you should be compensated.

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I’m salary. I used to work hourly with an extra 30 min a day for time before we started seeing patients and end of the day. One bonus to the salary job is that I get the 3 rd Monday of the month off and my paycheck is the same as the other weeks. I can fill in on that day in an other office our enjoy the day. Win win

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I’m paid hourly. I usually arrive 30 min early to review charts and set my room up. I use a time clock and am paid for it.

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The entire office can only clock in 10 mins before the first patient ? which is a bummer but they don’t mind when I stay 30 mins later at the end of the day to review charts and prepare for the next day.

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I am paid during the time I am at work except during lunch time, my boss has said it’s up to me to decide when I get there/how early to start as long as I am giving the best patient care. If a patient no shows or cancels I keep busy around the office and still get paid. I can leave early if I finish early but I am expected to help front office/assistants if they need it, and I’m pId for that time too since I’m paid hourly. My boss is awesome.

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